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| Reclusive filmmaker makes rare appearance in book launch |
| Friday, 18 July 2008 | |
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It is because reclusive filmmaker and cinematic genius Mike de Leon rarely makes public appearances and his presence is greeted with surprise or even awe; such is the mystique of any recluse who also happens to be acknowledged to be at the top of his field. Heralded as arguably the most outstanding contemporary Filipino filmmaker despite his nearly decade-long absence from the scene de Leon’s presence in any show biz occasion is most talked about. “Pinag-uusapan nga siya ng mga guests sa book launching. Ibang klase raw ang persuasion ni Nic para mapapunta si Mike doon. Takang-taka sina Perla Bautista, Armida Siguion-Reyna at halos lahat sa presence ni Mike. Hindi nga naman ‘yon nag-a-a-attend ng mga show biz parties,” critic Mario A. Hernando said. Hernando was also half-believing de Leon was in their midst during the launch. “Mabuti naman at nagsi-circulate na siya. Sana ay gumawa pa siya ng maraming pelikula. Kailangan siya ng industriya. Sana, sign na ito na buhay na muli ang local film industry,” Hernando, a member of the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino added in earnest. De Leon who made waves as the modernist filmmaker is responsible for giving the moviegoing public films like “Itim,” an account on the occultist’s realm which won an Asian Best Actress award for Charo Santos; “Kisapmata,” a masterpieces on incest; “Batch ’81,” a film opus on the dictatorial tendencies of frat men; “Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising,” a romantic foray on teenage love; “Kakabakaba Ka Ba?” a satiric approach to imperialism on local films; “Hindi Nahahati Ang Langit,” a film adaptation of comics material on love triangle; “Aliwan Paradise,” an omnibus entry to “Southern Winds” on entertainment and “Bayaning Third World,” a postmodern piece on the life of the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. A scion to the producer of pre-war and liberation LVN Pictures’ Doña Sisang de Leon, his reclusive ways have created an enigmatic mystique around his persona. “Si Manuel Conde ang isa sa mga independent filmmaker during his time in LVN at isa siya sa mga masigasig na direktor nang bata pa si Mike sa LVN. For sure, malaki ang influence ni Conde kay Mike,” analyzed Hernando. Mike remains the benchmark of quality filmmaking in the country, someone whom younger directors consistently admire.
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